Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper Dale Roberts dies: Tributes flood in

Tributes have been paid to Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper Dale Robets who died at the age of 24 on Tuesday.

Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper Dale Roberts died at the age of 24 on Tuesday (Pic: Action Images)

It has not yet been revealed how the former Nottingham Forest player died, but police claim his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Roberts joined Rushden and Diamonds in January 2009, having previously had loan spells at Eastwood Town and Alfreton Town. He was also an England C international.

Diamonds chairman Gary Calder paid tribute to the keeper, declaring: ‘Our thoughts and prayers at this time go to his parents, family and friends.’

England C manager Paul Fairclough also said: ‘On behalf of The Football Association Representative Matches Committee, England C team staff and players, I wish to say how saddened I am at the tragic loss of life of Dale Roberts.

‘Dale, as well as being an outstanding goalkeeper, was an outstanding young man in every sense of the word.’These sentiments serve little to describe the magnitude of this shocking bereavement. My thoughts are with his family and all those who have been touched by this true gentleman.’

The FA’s General Secretary, Alex Horne, released a statement on the Football Association’s website on Wednesday offering his condolences.

‘On behalf of everyone at The FA, I’d like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Dale Roberts.

‘England C Team manager, Paul Fairclough, and everyone connected with the squad have had nothing but good things to say about Dale.

‘It’s a tragic loss of life and will be felt throughout the football family.’

Diamond’s FA Trophy first-round replay against Eastwood Town on Tuesday night was postponed after Dale’s death was announced.The club has also opened up Nene Park for fans to pay tribute to the 24-year-old.